GULF OF MEXICO — Ocean experts had predicted a large “dead zone” area in the Gulf of Mexico this year, and according to the results from a Texas A&M University researcher just back from studying the region, those predictions appear to be right on target. Steve DiMarco, professor of oceanography and one of the world’s […] [...]

BILOXI — The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources will open bids July 16 for two large fishing vessels once owned by a foundation run by the agency’s former director. WLOX-TV in Biloxi reports the vessels are a 36-foot Topaz and a 42-foot Californian. They are docked in Biloxi and are worth an estimated $400,000. A classified […] [...]

GULF OF MEXICO — A Texas A&M University research program could put cash in a finder’s pocket for something that washes ashore along the Gulf of Mexico. So-called “drift cards” are meant to study ocean currents. People who report the location of the biodegradable notes will be eligible to win a $25 gift card. Piers […] [...]

GULF OF MEXICO — U.S. forecasters are raising their estimate of potential storms in the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season, which enters its peak period this month. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its updated forecast today. Forecasters say wind patterns conducive to storm formation and warmer-than-normal sea temperatures mean chances are higher […] [...]

BILOXI — The state of Mississippi is negotiating with BP for money to promote the safety of Gulf of Mexico seafood. Officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources tell WLOX-TV in Biloxi that they want to combat negative publicity from the oil spill with the “Gulf Safe” campaign. The television station reported many people […] [...]

WASHINGTON — The causes of the massive Gulf oil spill will be laid out for the first time Monday by investigators for President Barack Obama’s independent commission, potentially shifting the blame and weighing in on disputes between companies over the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. Representatives of the three companies most involved in […] [...]

NEW ORLEANS – Oil has stopped spewing into the Gulf of Mexico, but BP remains unusually vulnerable to the prospect of U.S. gas stations defecting to other brands. In interviews with The Associated Press, station owners from Wisconsin to Virginia say BP dealers are being courted by other brands or are approaching them on their […] [...]

NEW ORLEANS – A day after the end of the federal moratorium on deepwater drilling, the Gulf oil industry was a mix of furious activity and tortured waiting around. Companies that are helping the industry meet new regulations are scrambling to keep up with increased business while oil-rig workers must remain idle until the new […] [...]

NEW ORLEANS – The Obama administration is asking a federal judge to throw out part of a lawsuit challenging its moratorium on deepwater oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico now that the ban’s been lifted. A court filing Wednesday requesting the dismissal of claims filed by Ensco Offshore comes a day after the Interior […] [...]

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – The National Marine Fisheries Service will study whether the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has hurt the bluefin tuna population to the point that the fish should be placed on the endangered species list. The agency says the Center for Biological Diversity’s San Francisco office provided substantial scientific information to back […] [...]